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By the Ventura County Taxpayers Association
On Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, Supervisor Vianey Lopez will ask the Board of Supervisors to establish various programs to assist immigration-related proceedings at a cost of $6.3 million of taxpayer funds. The Supervisor is asking taxpayers to pay for an Immigration Legal Defense Fund for a team of lawyers in the Public Defender’s Immigrant Defense Unit and provide financial support for a “Migrant Education Program”.
The Ventura County Taxpayers Association opposes the proposed measures as misguided, fiscally irresponsible, and potentially exposing the County to significant legal and financial risks.
VCTA submitted a letter to the Board of Supervisors opposing the Item which was initially heard on August 12th and carried over to August 26th, due to the amount of speakers on both sides of the issue that wished to be heard. Excerpts of the letter are as follows:
“While we acknowledge the community concerns surrounding recent federal immigration enforcement actions, we firmly believe that the proposed measures are misguided, fiscally irresponsible, and potentially expose the County to significant legal and financial risks.
“First, the Ventura County Community Foundation has established the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund. This 100% privately funded initiative has already raised over $100,000 to support those affected by recent immigration enforcement actions, according to VCCF. Ventura County is home to several well-equipped nonprofits with proven track records in fundraising and community support. These organizations are fully capable of addressing these needs without burdening taxpayers or expanding government programs. Such efforts should remain privately funded, as they are both effective and aligned with the principle of minimizing taxpayer involvement in politically charged initiatives.
“Second, Ventura County’s General Fund is a finite resource that the Supervisors must prioritize for critical needs such as infrastructure, public safety, and essential services. The proposed allocation of $250,000 for the Immigration Legal Defense Fund, approximately $1,294,612 annually for new staff positions, and up to $1,900,000 over three years for the Migrant Education Program diverts precious taxpayer dollars away from these priorities. The Board has recently committed to a conservative approach to this year’s budget, recognizing the need for fiscal restraint. Creating new government positions and funding such programs, particularly those that may support individuals who have potentially violated federal immigration laws—such as defying legal removal orders or failing to pursue citizenship despite ample opportunity—contradicts this commitment to the taxpayers of Ventura County. The government should not force taxpayers to shoulder the financial burden of expanding government to address issues that private organizations are effectively managing.
“Finally, we are deeply concerned about the legal and financial risks associated with Item [43]. The federal government is enforcing immigration laws, a legal framework that has been in place through multiple presidential administrations. For Ventura County to intervene at this juncture appears politically motivated and could provoke significant consequences, including lawsuits from the federal government or the loss of critical federal grants, rebates, and other funding. Such actions would place an undue burden on taxpayers, forcing them to bear the costs of defending these lawsuits. We urge the Board to avoid actions that could jeopardize the County’s financial stability and legal standing.
“In conclusion, VCTA has requested that the Board reject Item [43] in its entirety. The private and nonprofit sector is already addressing the needs of those affected by federal immigration enforcement actions. Taxpayer funds should remain focused on essential county services, and the Board should avoid exposing Ventura County to unnecessary legal and financial risks. Let nonprofits continue to do what they do best—raise private funds to support community needs—while the County upholds its commitment to fiscal responsibility and neutrality in matters of federal law enforcement.”
— Formed in 1954, The Ventura County Taxpayers Association is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization dedicated to a non-partisan, fact-finding mission, emphasizing issues that affect Ventura County. We inform taxpayers, promote the wise use of public funds, oppose waste, advise public officials regarding issues of concern to taxpayers and recommend positions that will best serve the taxpayers’ interests. Our number one goal is to promote the wise use of public money and to oppose waste.
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